Whether you are new to Stampin' or just looking to reconnect with budget friendly ways to enjoy crafting and Stampin' Up - This is a peek into my tool kit.
2. Scissors. I have lots, but I use my small snips 98% of the time. So if you are not sure the best route here, I recommend a smaller pair that is only ever used for your paper and card stock. Use your kitchen scissors for opening packaging, ribbon or washi tape. Stampin' Up's are perfect, they have a nice sharp point and come with a protective cover. That cover is handy- it keeps dust and other stuff off your blades, and of course you don't have to worry about those nice sharp points stabbing anything they shouldn't!
3. Paper trimmer. I have had several but my favorite is the Stampin' Up trimmer. You can measure down to the 16th of an inch, and you can cut or score. Quality matters here- you want the ability to swap out blades and you want those blades to be sharp, because you are going to work the socks off them! I had what I thought was a nice one but after about a year I noticed that my cuts weren't straight, and the blades dulled quickly. Since getting the SU version, I haven't had any warping, so the only time my measurements are off, is when I just measure wrong- which I do on an all too regular basis! The other thing- I haven't used my score board since getting the trimmer. I do have the envelope punch board, which I call out, because if you are making cards, you will either need to purchase envelopes or make them. If you make them, you will need a score board or the envelope punch board. The trimmer will not be enough.
4. Adhesives. This is a big one, and everybody will have their own preferences. Quality matters here too, and most options serve a unique purpose, but some do the same thing just differently. This is the area where I have tried everything it seems, but once you understand the differences, then you can try and pick the ones that work best for you. SU offers the following adhesive options: Snail, FastFuse, Tombow All Purpose Glue(APG), Glue Dots,Tear and Tape and Dimensional's. I use- Snail, Dimensional's, Tear and Tape and Glue dots. APGlue has its place, but I usually end up spending more time removing it from me and my work surface than it's worth- I am hopeless this is not the glues fault, so I prefer tear and tape, it's cost effective and is a strong adhesive. I find if I just wet it slightly I get enough "wiggle" time before it adheres that I can usually get things placed correctly. And since I could do an entire blog just on adhesives, I'm going to leave it at that. Budget friendly- you could do the Tombow APG OR tear and tape AND Dimensional's though and be able to make anything you wanted with just two options, it just might take a bit longer, but quality of your craft will not be compromised.
5. Piercing tool and mat. If you use photo polymer stamps, you will want to use the piercing mat to stamp on. Oh, and it's good for shaping your flowers too. I really like the photo polymer stamps, so I tend to gravitate to them, so I use the mat a lot. The piercing tool I use mostly to peel up my tear and tape backing, my glue dots and really just anywhere I need a small finger to do the job. I use it a lot, as my nails are often too short to help. On a budget? Start with the mat, get the tool later, it's only $4 though, so it's a good filler on any order.
6. Bone folder. I personally use the one from my envelope punch the most, but regardless if you buy a separate one or choose to get the punch board and then use it's tool, you need one to ensure your folds are nice and crisp.
We made it to the end! Hopefully if you are new to stamping or to Stampin' Up, this has helped you in deciding which tools you will need to make great projects now and in the future!
Please add your thoughts, ideas and comments so we can go on this journey together! I'd love to know your top tools!
Thanks! Michelle
